The Awakening (Dramatized Adaptation)

Zodiac Academy, Book 1

By: Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti

Narrated by: Lydia Kraniotis, Daniel Llaca, Gregory Linnington, Khaya Fraites, Nora Achrati, Jessica Schly, Karenna Foley, Julian Dailey, Ryan Dalusung, Gabriel Michael, full cast

I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae.

But of course there’s a catch–all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could.

The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy.

Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates–which is actively encouraged by the way.

My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell.

All I’ve got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas.

Dammit, why couldn’t I have gotten a letter to Hogwarts?

This is a dark, bully romance–don’t go expecting a sweet school for magic with friends around every corner. Fae fight for everything they own and Zodiac Academy is a cutthroat school for students aged 18+ where only the strongest prevail. There’s no Dumbledore here to save anyone’s ass and Lionel Acrux will give Voldemort a run for his money in the evil dictator category. So hold onto your stardust (broomsticks not required) and get ready for a bumpy ride.

Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!

Performed by Khaya Fraites, Jessica Schly, Gregory Linnington, Julian Dailey, Jon Vertullo, Ryan Dalusung, Gabriel Michael, Karenna Foley, Daniel Llaca, Lydia Kraniotis, Nora Achrati, Kelly Baskin, Stephanie Németh-Parker, Crystal Lee, Dawn Ursula, Lise Bruneau, Kaylee Eluvian, Marissa Clay, Bradley Foster Smith, Michael John Casey, Ken Jackson, Tyler Hyrchuk, Donald Guzzi, Yasmin Tuazon, Jerri J. Marshall, Laura C. Harris, Karen Novack, Eric Messner, Scott McCormick, Drew Kopas, and James Konicek.

* This audio production was updated on 10-14-2024 with new voice actors for Darius and Caleb. Reviews posted before that date are about the older version.

©2019 Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti (P)2024 Graphic Audio LLC

No

Darius’s voice is so bad. Geraldine’s too, I had super high hopes for this because I LOVE THIS SERIES. Gabriel Michael voice should have been Darius in my opinion because let’s face it, xaden & Lucien? He should have been Darius too.

Horrible Voice Acting

The storyline was okay but the voice acting and background music were unbearable. It seems like the director kept asking the actors for more drama and it made the characters come across as annoying. Seriously, no character was likable. Maybe that’s how the authors intended it? The background music also made the production seem cheap.

If you’re debating on the graphic audio option, skip it and try the original version. I’m a fan of graphic audio books but this title will make me second guess another purchase.

I finished this audio book but I regret not switching it out for the regular version. This experience might prevent me from reading the rest of the series.

Not a Fan

I had really high hopes for the dramatized version. I love this series and I did not vibe with the voices. I think the Bordeaux team should have been a part of this. Especially Geraldine. This version sounded like Sadness from Inside Out (ick). Bridget's version is southern belle-loved it. Darius sounds like Washer and gives me the creepo vibes. Orion is ok but I prefer Bridget's guy voice to this one.
The background music sounded like quirky barbie TV show. I just didn't like it at all. I will stick with Jake and Bridget's version. I'm not going to buy anymore of the dramatized version.

Love the series

Sorry- but had to agree with some of the other reviewers. The male voice actors for Orion and Darius were all off. So much so that I didn’t want to finish it. I know it’s all subjective but the voices I had in my mind while reading were not what I got from this adapted version.

Great series, terrible casting

I was so excited for this, but I don’t think the person in charge of casting this graphic audio actually read the series. Two of the main love interests sound like unappealing old men. The voices in the original audiobook are much better matched to the characters and I highly recommend it!!